SOME of the world's most advanced yachting
technology will grace Corio Bay's waves when
Geelong hosts Audi Victoria Week this summer.
The big-name Super Maxis -- made famous by races
like the Sydney to Hobart -- will share the water and
wind with the tiniest of dinghies, sports boats and
many a yacht class in between.
On the water the annual race week is a yachtie's
paradise but back on dry land there's entertainment
galore to keep families happy.
Held between January 20-26, the week is one of the
country's oldest sporting events dating back to 1844.
Hundreds of yachts and thousands of international-
class sailors will compete, with many more spectators
and support crew arriving in Geelong.
Some of the boats mooring in Geelong will cost
several thousands of dollars just to fill with fuel and
the king of the competitive yachts, the Super Maxis,
are masterpieces sculptured from carbon fibre and
fibreglass. They'll all be battling it out on the ideal
waters of Corio Bay, the jewel in the city's crown, with
calm seas and regular breezes perfect for competitive
sailing
Back on land the waterfront will host live music,
art and craft market stalls, food and wine vendors,
children's activities and fireworks. And the vast majority
of activities are free.
Steampacket Gardens will be the hub of the week's
on-shore entertainment with family-orientated live
performances. Over at Fairnie Park there will be an
array of gourmet food and wine stalls where sailors
and visitors alike can mingle.
Ritchie Boulevard will connect Fairnie Park to the
Eastern Beach precinct in a shopper's bazaar with
the area also featuring outrigger racing and beach
volleyball.
Of course, it's also possible to just wander the
waterfront's marina and take in the spectacle of the
massive fleet of visiting vessels.
After the day's racing is done, visitors can join sailors
over a celebratory drink on the waterfront or in any of
Geelong's hotels, pubs and clubs.
INSIDER'S TIP
Visitors take note, accommodation can book out
before the event so get in early.
Don't
miss the
boat
The Geelong Advertiser's
MARTIN WATTERS will have
you sailing though the activities
on offer during Geelong's
spectacular week of yachting
EVENT
18 I geelongadvertiser.com.au